Origin stories have always been deceptive to get out of hand. The path to heroism is analyzed by clichés, while spending too much time on descriptions can be a distraction from the story you really want to say. Like the introduction of rookie archer Kate Bishop, however, this first episode of Hawkeye gets almost everything right - in fact, within the first 20 minutes you know almost everything you need.
Anyone who is just looking at Disney Plus, waiting to see Clint Barton: The TV series, would be surprised to see more focus on Bishop than the real Hawkeye. If you have read our conversation with the program director and coordinator, you will know this. Still, even though the movement is bold, it pays off in an amazing way.
A series of credits shows how young Kate lost her father in Chitauri's attack on the Avengers' first film - about a decade ago, the Battle of New York continues to be an important event at MCU - and is inspired by Hawkeye's shooting. antics on the battlefield. "I need an arrow and an arrow," he said at his father's funeral, vowing to protect his mother from anything they could find.
A series of brightly acclaimed credits - presented in the purple color of Bishop’s comic book look - continues the story, showing how he became an archer, bodybuilder and fighter. As well as being a crash course in Superhero Skills 101, an amazingly engaging dialogue episode. The first time we see Kate in action reveals, as she uses her unique skills to shoot - and accidentally smash - vintage belltower as part of a bet. It is a good job for her mother who is rich enough to pay the repairs debt…
Barton himself is not forgotten, and the episode shifts subtly between its two characters throughout. He is the last of the early Avengers to receive a tribute to the title, and on paper it is easy to see why - next to the great warriors, Norse gods, billionaire tech thinkers and great spies, a really handsome young man with a bow and arrow. supporting player. However, ‘Never Meet Your Heroes’ quickly shows why he is the perfect anchor for a TV show.
In short, Hawkeye is a hero in charge. While Thanos brought the most famous finger snap in history, Clint Barton lost everything. As a result, his wife and three children turned to dust, turning him into a vigilant Ronin, unafraid to push the limits of PG-13 as he embarked on a violent campaign to end organized crime. Then, to make matters worse, he had to sacrifice his close friend, Natasha Romanoff (also known as the Black Widow), in order to return Soul Stone to Vormir. Even if his family is restored, such a history will leave a mark.
Jeremy Renner is brilliant here, with his disgusting, and non-judgmental performance that portrays the dangerous, human side of the hero. Although she is clearly devoted to her children, there is a subtle sadness behind her eyes, especially when the actor plays the Black Widow in the production of the smash hit Broadway Rogers: The Musical brings back fond memories. Clearly Barton is not comfortable with his big celebrities, the weight of the lives he took that made Ronin take a huge amount.
However, despite the darkness, the episode is a lot more fun - not just because the preparation for "six days until Christmas" is all the excuses Marvel needed to turn the song into a festive jukebox.
From an exciting look at Steve Rogers' show - can't real MCU music fall far short? - In the wake of Kate Bishop's battle, there is a real light touch here. Hailee Steinfeld assumes her role immediately, whether in the midst of an argument with her mother, going underground, or beating the crowds with old wine bottles.
But since Kate is so talented and creative, it is clear that she is far from finished. Indeed, as long as he wears Ronin's suit he will surely find himself in his head, and he has become the victim of a group called the Tracksuit Mafia - known as bad guys - whose leader has made his business an extremist pursuit. prejudice.
Luckily for her, running with that outfit is a surefire way to attract the attention of one Clint Barton, a well-qualified mentor to someone with her skills. "Who are you?" he asked after rescuing her from the angry crowd. With the evidence of the first episode, finding the answer will be a blast.
Our decision
The latest MCU TV program is hitting the ground running, and serves as a close-up to set up a new series. As well as cleverly introducing Kate Bishop and revealing some of Clint Barton's demons, it asks interesting questions that are a good sign of the show as it progresses.
How did Eleanor Bishop's fortune change ten years after the New York War? What did he do that upset Armand Duquesne III so much? Why is Jack, his new girlfriend, so worried about Ronin's retracting sword? Why is the clock found in the Avengers Compound so important? And where can we find Rogers: The Musical tickets? Hopefully the answers will come in the remaining five episodes of Hawkeye, rather than down to the MCU movie line or TV program.